The 12 Best Sources for Free Background Music in 2025

Yaro

31/12/2025 7:01 AM

The right background music can transform a project from good to unforgettable, but navigating copyright claims, confusing licenses, and budget constraints is a major headache for creators. This guide demystifies the world of free background music, breaking down the top 12 platforms where you can find high-quality, legally sound tracks for your next project. We get straight to the point, providing a comprehensive resource to help you find the perfect audio without the risk of copyright strikes or takedown notices.

Whether you're a YouTuber, podcaster, freelance filmmaker, or a small business creating digital ads, finding the right soundtrack is crucial. We'll explore the nuances of each license, from various Creative Commons attributions to custom platform-specific terms, so you can choose a source with confidence. Our curated list covers everything from fully integrated libraries like the YouTube Audio Library to specialized catalogs like LesFM and Incompetech, ensuring you find the right fit for your specific needs. When considering modern content platforms, keep in mind that automatically adding trending music for TikTok image posts can significantly boost engagement, highlighting how crucial the right audio choice is.

Each entry in this listicle includes a detailed breakdown, screenshots, direct links, and practical advice on its best use cases. Forget generic feature lists; we offer an honest assessment of limitations, specific license details, and real-world implementation considerations. This resource is designed to be your definitive guide, saving you hours of searching and allowing you to focus on what you do best: creating compelling content.

1. LesFM

LesFM positions itself as a record label and licensing platform built specifically for content creators. While not entirely free for all uses, it offers a high-quality selection of free background music for personal projects and social media content, provided proper attribution is given. This hybrid model makes it a standout choice for creators who may start with non-commercial projects but plan to scale up.

The platform’s strength lies in its meticulously curated catalog, which simplifies the discovery process. Instead of sifting through thousands of inconsistent tracks, you can quickly find polished music organized by genre, mood, and use case, from lofi and ambient to cinematic and rock.

Licensing and Usage

LesFM’s licensing is refreshingly straightforward. For personal, non-monetized use on platforms like YouTube or Instagram, their music is free with attribution. However, for commercial purposes, client work, or channel monetization, a paid license is required. They offer single-track licenses or subscription tiers (Personal, Commercial, Enterprise) that grant perpetual rights for any project published while the subscription is active. This structure provides a clear upgrade path for growing creators.

• Best For: YouTubers, podcasters, and small businesses needing high-quality, curated tracks with simple, scalable licensing.
• Pros: Creator-friendly terms, excellent track curation, and clear guidelines for both free and commercial use.
• Cons: The free offering is limited to non-commercial use with attribution; monetization requires a paid plan.

Website: https://lesfm.net/

2. YouTube Audio Library (via YouTube Studio)

The YouTube Audio Library is an essential, built-in resource for anyone creating content on the platform. Integrated directly into YouTube Studio, it offers a vast collection of free background music and sound effects specifically cleared for use in YouTube videos, including those that are monetized. This direct integration makes it one of the most convenient and risk-free options available to creators.

Its primary strength is its simplicity and safety within the YouTube ecosystem. Creators can easily search and filter tracks by genre, mood, duration, and instrument, ensuring a quick discovery process. The library clearly distinguishes between tracks that require attribution and those that don't, removing any guesswork from the licensing process and helping creators avoid copyright claims.

Licensing and Usage

The licensing model is incredibly straightforward for YouTube creators. All music is free to use on the platform, even in monetized videos. The library uses two primary license types: the YouTube Audio Library License (no attribution required) and Creative Commons (attribution required). For CC tracks, YouTube provides pre-formatted text that you can copy and paste directly into your video description, making compliance effortless. Understanding how to navigate these licenses is a key part of the process; you can learn more about licensing music for YouTube here. While designed for YouTube, some licenses may permit use on other platforms, but you must check the specific terms for each track.

• Best For: YouTube creators of all levels who need a reliable and completely free source of music for their videos without leaving the platform.
• Pros: Truly free for use on YouTube (including monetized content), seamlessly integrated into the creator workflow, and clear attribution guidelines.
• Cons: Music is intended primarily for YouTube use; using it elsewhere requires careful license checking, and the catalog quality can be inconsistent.

Website: https://studio.youtube.com/

3. Free Music Archive (FMA)

Free Music Archive (FMA) is a massive, interactive library of high-quality, legal audio downloads directed by the independent freeform radio station WFMU. It serves as a curated repository where artists and curators contribute free background music under various Creative Commons licenses, making it a go-to for creators seeking unique, indie, or experimental tracks.

The platform’s major advantage is its transparent, track-by-track licensing information. Instead of a single site-wide policy, each song clearly displays its specific Creative Commons license, allowing creators to perform their due diligence and find music that perfectly fits their project’s commercial or non-commercial needs. This granular control is ideal for filmmakers and YouTubers who need specific permissions.

Licensing and Usage

FMA operates almost exclusively on Creative Commons (CC) licenses, which vary significantly from track to track. Users can filter searches by license type, such as CC0 (public domain), CC BY (attribution required), or CC BY-NC (non-commercial use only). Understanding these distinctions is crucial; FMA provides a helpful license guide to explain the permissions for each one. To learn more about how these licenses relate to royalty-free music, you can explore detailed guides on the topic of royalty-free music. Always double-check the license on the track page before downloading and using the audio.

• Best For: Documentary filmmakers, students, and creators looking for diverse, artistic, and niche tracks with clear, individual licensing terms.
• Pros: Vast and diverse catalog, transparent per-track CC licensing, and many tracks available for commercial use with proper attribution.
• Cons: Curation quality can be inconsistent across different collections, and some restrictive licenses (like No-Derivatives) may not suit all video editing needs.

Website: https://freemusicarchive.org/

4. Pixabay Music

Pixabay Music extends the platform’s well-known "free-to-use" ethos from stock photos to audio, offering a large, community-contributed library of free background music and sound effects. It operates under the simple Pixabay Content License, which permits broad commercial use without requiring attribution, making it one of the most frictionless options available for creators on a deadline.

The platform is designed for quick discovery and download. Users can filter a vast catalog by genre, mood, and movement, finding suitable tracks for vlogs, podcasts, and online videos with minimal fuss. This straightforward approach removes common licensing barriers, allowing creators to access and use music almost instantly.

Licensing and Usage

Pixabay’s Content License is exceptionally permissive for most online content. Music can be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes across platforms like YouTube and social media without attribution, although giving credit is appreciated. However, the license explicitly prohibits certain uses, such as selling or redistributing the music on its own, using it in other stock media, or associating it with offensive material. While rare, Content ID claims can still occur if an artist who contributed to Pixabay has also registered their music elsewhere, so creators should be mindful of this possibility.

• Best For: Creators needing quick, no-attribution-required music for vlogs, social media ads, and corporate videos.
• Pros: Simple and permissive license for most online use, no attribution required, and a large, diverse catalog.
• Cons: Prohibited uses are strict, and there's a small risk of encountering Content ID issues from mis-registered tracks.

Website: https://pixabay.com/music/

5. Mixkit (by Envato)

Mixkit, part of the Envato ecosystem, offers a highly accessible library of completely free background music with an incredibly simple licensing model. It is designed for creators who need quality tracks quickly without navigating complex attribution rules or mandatory sign-ups. The platform’s main appeal is its straightforward approach to commercial use for online content.

The user interface is clean and efficient, allowing creators to browse by genre, mood, or tag to find the right sound. From upbeat corporate tracks to chill lofi hip-hop, the selection is curated to fit common video project needs, making it a reliable resource for fast-turnaround projects like social media ads or YouTube intros.

Licensing and Usage

Mixkit’s free license is one of its biggest strengths. All music tracks can be used in commercial and non-commercial projects on online platforms like YouTube, social media, and websites without requiring attribution. This simplifies the process for creators who want to monetize their videos or run online ads.

However, the license explicitly prohibits using the music in certain contexts, such as TV and radio broadcasts, video games, or mobile apps. Tracks also cannot be remixed, sold, or distributed on music streaming platforms. This clear delineation helps creators understand exactly where they can and cannot use the music.

• Best For: Content creators needing fast, attribution-free music for monetized YouTube videos, social media posts, and online ads.
• Pros: Simple, no-attribution license for most online commercial use; no sign-up required for downloads; clean and easy-to-navigate interface.
• Cons: The free license does not permit use in broadcasts (TV/radio), games, or apps; the catalog is smaller than comprehensive paid libraries.

Website: https://mixkit.co/free-stock-music/

6. Bensound

Bensound is a well-established name in the royalty-free music space, known for its polished and accessible library. It operates on a freemium model, offering a useful collection of free background music under its "Free License," which requires attribution. This makes it a go-to resource for creators needing high-quality tracks for non-commercial online videos without an upfront cost.

The platform excels in providing music that fits corporate, cinematic, and upbeat promotional content. Its clean interface allows users to easily filter tracks by genre, mood, or instrument, making the search process efficient. The quality is consistently professional, which is a major draw for creators who want their projects to sound polished and modern.

Licensing and Usage

Bensound’s licensing is clearly defined and easy to understand. The Free License allows you to use designated tracks in online videos (like on YouTube or social media), websites, and animations, as long as you provide proper credit. However, this license does not cover monetized content, advertising, or commercial products.

For those needs, Bensound offers single-track licenses or an All-Access subscription. The subscription is particularly valuable for frequent creators, providing unlimited downloads, no attribution requirements, and an auto-clearance feature for YouTube channels to prevent copyright claims. This tiered system provides a simple upgrade path as a creator’s needs become more commercial.

• Best For: Corporate video producers, social media marketers, and YouTubers who need professional-sounding tracks and appreciate clear, tiered licensing options.
• Pros: Excellent, well-documented licensing, a high-quality curated library, and strong offerings for corporate and cinematic styles.
• Cons: The Free License is restrictive and not valid for monetized content; commercial or client work requires a paid license.

Website: https://www.bensound.com/

7. Incompetech (Kevin MacLeod)

Incompetech is a legendary resource in the world of content creation, largely due to the prolific work of its composer, Kevin MacLeod. For years, it has served as a primary source of free background music for countless videos, games, and films. The platform operates on a simple, creator-first principle: use the music for free, as long as you provide proper credit. This straightforward approach has made it a staple for creators at every level.

The site is known for its vast and diverse catalog, featuring tracks that have become iconic across the internet. While its interface may seem dated compared to modern platforms, its functionality is direct and effective. You can easily browse by genre, feel, or keyword to find the right piece for your project, from upbeat and quirky to dramatic and cinematic.

Licensing and Usage

Incompetech's licensing is built on the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) model. This means you can download and use any track for free in any project, including commercial ones, provided you credit Kevin MacLeod in your work. The site makes this incredibly easy by providing the exact text to copy and paste for attribution on each song’s page. For those who cannot or prefer not to provide credit, Incompetech offers a simple, low-cost paid license for each track, which removes the attribution requirement.

• Best For: YouTubers, student filmmakers, and indie game developers who need a wide variety of music and are comfortable with providing attribution.
• Pros: A massive, well-known catalog with a simple and consistent credit format; free for commercial use with attribution.
• Cons: The website's design and navigation feel dated, and attribution is a strict requirement for free use.

Website: https://incompetech.com/

8. ccMixter / dig.ccmixter

ccMixter is a community-driven music site built on the principles of Creative Commons, making it a unique resource for creators looking for remix-friendly material. Its curated portal, dig.ccmixter, helps users find high-quality, free background music specifically cleared for use in video, film, and commercial projects. The platform’s strength is its transparent licensing and focus on collaborative creation.

The site allows you to filter tracks extensively by license type, genre, instrument, and even BPM, which is invaluable for finding the perfect piece. Instead of a standard library, you are tapping into a global community of musicians and producers who share their work under various CC licenses.

Licensing and Usage

Every track on ccMixter is governed by a specific Creative Commons license, which is clearly displayed on its page. Some tracks are free for any use (including commercial) with simple attribution, while others may restrict commercial use or require you to share derivative works under the same license. The platform provides clear, easy-to-copy attribution text for each track, removing any guesswork. This detailed, per-track approach empowers creators to find music that precisely fits their project’s legal needs without requiring a paid subscription.

• Best For: Creators looking for unique, community-generated tracks, especially those interested in remixes or needing music for projects with specific CC licensing requirements.
• Pros: Deep selection of Creative Commons music, transparent per-track licensing, and strong community editorial picks.
• Cons: Not all tracks allow commercial use; each license must be checked carefully, and quality can vary.

Website: https://ccmixter.org/

9. Jamendo (Jamendo Licensing)

Jamendo is a dual-platform ecosystem offering both free music for personal listening and a dedicated licensing arm for commercial use. While Jamendo Music hosts tracks under Creative Commons licenses, Jamendo Licensing provides a robust, straightforward solution for creators needing free background music with clear, royalty-free commercial rights. This distinction makes it ideal for those who need to secure perpetual licenses for client work, advertisements, or monetized content without navigating CC complexities.

The platform excels by connecting content creators with a massive catalog of independent artists, offering fresh, unique sounds that stand apart from typical stock music libraries. Its interface is designed for quick discovery, allowing users to filter by genre, mood, and intended use case, from corporate videos to social media campaigns.

Licensing and Usage

Jamendo Licensing simplifies rights management with clear, upfront pricing. Users can purchase licenses on a per-track basis, with costs determined by the project's scope (e.g., online, national, or international). They also offer subscription plans tailored to different creator needs (Personal, Professional, Agency), providing ongoing access to the catalog for multiple projects. Understanding these licenses is key, as it helps you learn more about how to avoid copyright strikes on YouTube. Once licensed, the track is yours to use in the specified project forever.

• Best For: Freelance video editors, creative agencies, and businesses needing a large, diverse catalog of indie music with unambiguous commercial licensing.
• Pros: Perpetual licenses for purchased tracks, straightforward pricing tiers, and a vast collection of music from independent artists.
• Cons: The free listening platform (Jamendo Music) is separate and cannot be used for commercial sync; broadcast rights require more expensive tiers.

Website: https://licensing.jamendo.com/

10. Uppbeat

Uppbeat is a modern music and sound effects platform built from the ground up for the creator economy. It offers a generous free tier that provides access to a curated selection of free background music, making it an excellent starting point for YouTubers and TikTok creators who need copyright-safe audio without an upfront investment. The platform is designed to simplify the often-confusing world of music licensing.

What sets Uppbeat apart is its creator-centric workflow. The user interface is clean, intuitive, and geared towards quick discovery. A key feature is its "whitelisting" system, which helps creators avoid copyright claims on YouTube by linking their channel directly to their Uppbeat account, providing peace of mind when monetizing content.

Licensing and Usage

Uppbeat’s free plan allows users a set number of downloads per month from a specific portion of their catalog. This music can be used in monetized videos on YouTube and other social platforms, provided you credit Uppbeat in your description using a unique code generated with each download. For unlimited downloads, access to the full premium catalog, and hassle-free channel whitelisting (which removes the need for individual credits), users can upgrade to a paid subscription. This model provides flexibility for creators at all stages.

• Best For: Content creators on YouTube and TikTok who prioritize a simple, claim-free experience and want a clear path to upgrade as their channel grows.
• Pros: Specifically designed for creator workflows, generous free tier for monetized content, and a channel whitelisting feature to prevent copyright issues.
• Cons: The free plan has a monthly download limit and doesn't include the entire premium catalog; whitelisting requires a paid subscription.

Website: https://uppbeat.io/

11. SoundCloud (Creative Commons community)

SoundCloud is less a stock library and more a sprawling creator ecosystem where many artists share their work under Creative Commons licenses. This makes it an invaluable resource for discovering unique, emerging music that hasn't saturated the content world. Its strength lies in the direct connection to artists, offering a massive catalog of free background music from virtually every niche imaginable.

Instead of a polished, searchable database, SoundCloud’s discovery process is more organic, relying on tags, playlists, and community hubs. It’s the perfect place to find a track with a specific, unconventional vibe that traditional libraries might not carry.

Licensing and Usage

Navigating licensing on SoundCloud requires careful attention. While many tracks are available under various Creative Commons (CC) licenses, you must verify the specific license for each song. This often involves checking the track’s description or the artist’s profile. The ability to message artists directly is a unique advantage, allowing you to request permissions for uses not covered by the CC license or even inquire about custom work. Always double-check the license terms, as incorrect metadata or mis-tagged rights can lead to Content ID claims.

• Best For: Creators looking for unique, indie tracks and those willing to build direct relationships with artists.
• Pros: Huge variety of niche genres, access to emerging artists, and the potential for direct artist collaboration.
• Cons: License clarity varies greatly, incomplete metadata is common, and there’s a risk of Content ID claims if uploaders misrepresent rights.

Website: https://soundcloud.com/creative-commons

12. Musopen

Musopen is a non-profit organization focused on making music, particularly classical music, more accessible to the public. It serves as an invaluable archive of public domain recordings, sheet music, and educational resources. This makes it a fantastic source of free background music for creators who need orchestral or instrumental scores that are safe for commercial use, provided both the composition and the specific recording are in the public domain.

The platform is unique for its educational mission and its dedication to classical works. You can easily search its extensive library by composer, instrument, historical period, or mood, making it simple to find a specific piece by Bach or a somber cello arrangement. Musopen is ideal for documentaries, historical content, or any project aiming for a sophisticated, timeless feel.

Licensing and Usage

Musopen’s library contains a mix of public domain and Creative Commons licensed music. Music labeled as Public Domain (PD) is completely free to use for any purpose, including commercial projects, without attribution. However, it's crucial to verify that both the musical composition and the performance recording are public domain. The site also features music under various Creative Commons licenses, which may require attribution or have other restrictions. Free users are limited to a certain number of downloads per day, while a small annual donation provides unlimited high-quality downloads.

• Best For: Filmmakers, educators, and creators of historical or elegant content needing authentic classical music.
• Pros: Access to a vast library of high-quality public domain classical recordings, completely free for commercial use when both work and recording are PD.
• Cons: The catalog is almost exclusively classical music, and users must carefully check the licensing status of both the composition and the recording to ensure compliance.

Website: https://musopen.org/

12 Free Background Music Sources Compared

Choosing Wisely: How to Pick the Right Music for Your Content

Navigating the world of free background music can feel like exploring a vast, uncharted wilderness. You now have a map. We've journeyed through twelve distinct and powerful resources, from the integrated convenience of the YouTube Audio Library to the indie-rich archives of Free Music Archive and the curated, professional catalogs of platforms like LesFM. The sheer volume of available tracks is a testament to the generosity of the creative community, but it also places a crucial responsibility on you: the creator. The key takeaway is not just where to find music, but how to select and use it responsibly to elevate your projects.

The right soundtrack is not merely a background filler; it is an emotional amplifier, a narrative driver, and a critical component of your brand's identity. Choosing wisely means aligning the music's mood, genre, and tempo with your content's core message. A fast-paced, electronic track that works for a tech product review will feel jarring in a heartfelt documentary short. Similarly, a cinematic orchestral piece might overpower a casual vlog.

Matching the Platform to Your Project

Your project's specific needs should be the primary filter when deciding where to source your audio. There is no single "best" platform, only the best platform for your immediate requirements.

To simplify your decision-making process, consider these common creator scenarios:

• For the Absolute Beginner YouTuber: Your priority is simplicity and avoiding copyright strikes. The YouTube Audio Library is your safest and most direct starting point. It’s integrated directly into your workflow, and every track is pre-cleared for use on the platform, eliminating any licensing guesswork.
• For the Indie Filmmaker or Podcaster: You need unique, emotionally resonant music that doesn't sound like stock audio. Dive into Free Music Archive (FMA), ccMixter, and the Creative Commons sections of SoundCloud. You'll discover incredible indie artists but must be meticulous about understanding and correctly implementing Creative Commons attribution.
• For the Social Media Manager & Ad Creator: You require high-energy, commercially-cleared tracks that can be used across multiple platforms without complex attribution. Pixabay Music and Mixkit are outstanding choices. Their permissive licenses give you the freedom to create ads, social posts, and other commercial content with minimal friction.
• For the Serious Creator & Small Business: As your content becomes more sophisticated and your brand's reputation is on the line, you need a higher tier of quality and legal assurance. This is where a dedicated service like LesFM shines. While it offers a fantastic free tier, its premium options provide the professional polish and ironclad licenses necessary for significant commercial projects, protecting you from future claims.

The Critical Final Check: Licensing and Attribution

Before you hit "download" on any track, pause and perform your due diligence. Licensing is the most critical aspect of using free background music. A simple mistake can lead to copyright claims, video demonetization, or even legal action. Always ask yourself:

• What does the license actually permit? Can I use it for commercial purposes? Can I modify the track? Does it require attribution?
• How do I properly provide attribution? Is there a specific format the artist or platform requires? Copy and paste the exact text into your video description or show notes.
• Are there any platform-specific restrictions? Some licenses may be valid for YouTube but not for broadcast television or a feature film.

This final check is your ultimate safeguard. For content intended to go viral, every detail matters. When producing content for platforms like Instagram Reels, which thrives on trending audio, the thoughtful selection of background music is paramount. Pairing your visuals with the perfect track can be the difference-maker, and understanding how to build on current trends is essential for growth; you can find some great viral Instagram Reels ideas to get started.

Ultimately, the perfect soundtrack is out there waiting for you. By using this guide, you can move beyond simply finding free music and start discovering the right music. Let your audio choices be as intentional and creative as your visual storytelling, and you will forge a deeper, more meaningful connection with your audience.

Ready to elevate your projects with music that is both high-quality and easy to license? While the resources in this list are fantastic, LesFM offers a perfectly curated library of royalty-free tracks designed for creators who are serious about their content. Explore the free selection or upgrade to a premium plan for ultimate peace of mind and access to an even broader catalog at LesFM.

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